The Hall of Faith
By George J. Stroh
September 22, 2014
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.
(Hebrews 11:1)
What an honor to be a member of a sport or music "Hall of Fame". But it is a far greater honor to be inducted into God's "Hall of Fame"! The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is said to be God's "Hall of Fame or, more appropriately, God's "Hall of Faith".
Living a Christian life that is pleasing to God requires faith and obedience. Faith in and obedience to God's word; And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrew 11:6)
In Hebrews chapter eleven, there is a list of notable Old Testament saints who exercised faith and obedience that pleased God. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than his brother Cain. By faith Enoch did not die because he was pleasing to God. By faith Noah... Well you know what Noah did to get into God's "Hall of Faith".
The writer of Hebrews lists many others including Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab; And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouth of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34)
Here is something exciting to think about; If you are a Christian, you too are in God's "Hall of Faith". No, your name is not listed in Hebrews Chapter eleven, but you are in God's "Book of Life"! As inducted members of His "Hall of Faith", let's keep trusting and obeying, living lives that are pleasing to Him; Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith... (Hebrews 12:1-2)
"Trust and obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey"
Maranatha!
